The highest Award in Girl Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award has had several names since its debut in 1916 as the Golden Eagle of Merit. It has also been known as the Golden Eaglet, Curved Bar, First Class, and the Girl Scout Gold Award. It marked the beginning of a long tradition of recognizing the outstanding achievements of extraordinary girls.

Starting in 1916, the best and brightest improved themselves, their communities and the world—and earned the Golden Eaglet, the highest award in Girl Scouting from 1916 to1938, which was originally the Golden Eagle of Merit from 1916-1918. 1938 to 1940 marked years when the First Class award was the highest award. From 1940 to 1963, the Curved Bar award was the highest honor in Girl Scouting. From 1963 to 1980, the highest award was called First Class, as it was prior to the Curved Bar. And since 1980, the Girl Scout Gold Award has inspired girls to become leaders, and share their ideas and passions with their communities.

Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are part of an elite group of women who embody community leadership leaving behind a sustainable legacy. When Juliette Gordon Low was alive, she made it a point to present every award personally. See the slideshow below for some historical examples.

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

Birdsall Otis Edey, writer and prominent Girl Scout leader, National President, Girl Scouts of the USA 1930-1935, wrote this poem which was presented to all Golden Eaglet recipients.

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

First Class, the highest award in Girl Scouting 1938 - 1940.

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

Curved Bar, the highest award in Girl Scouting 1940 - 1963.

Celebrating the Highest Achievement in Girl Scouting

First Class, the highest award in Girl Scouting 1963 - 1980, and the four Girl Scout Cadette challenge pins earned to meet the First Class requirements: Social Dependability, Emergency Preparedness, Active Citizenship and Challenge of the Girl Scout Promise.